REBOOT FESTIVAL 2023 | Week THREE

🎭 Week Three of Barons Court Theatre’s REBOOT FESTIVAL and we have an impressive array of thematic diversity and unforgettable performances. Below is an insightful exploration of the highlighted plays…

‘Drawing Under the Microscope’ by Janine Sobeck Knighton

Janine Sobeck-Knighton navigates through Beatrix Potter’s lesser-known contributions to fungi germination research while intricately weaving a tale of female friendship and fortitude against the backdrop of a male-dominated Victorian society. This exploration shines light on the shadows of Potter’s renowned artistic and literary contributions, inviting inquiries into her expansive narratives.

‘Nil By Sea’ by Katie Pollock

Pollock sets a charged and intense atmosphere with fragments of unwelcoming speeches on migrants, leading the narrative into an untapped and developing terrain. The dialogue, reflective of societal perceptions on migration and compassion, seems like a promising seed, requiring further cultivation to fully unravel its latent potential.

‘Two Girls’ by Allie Costa

Allie Costa’s succinct piece employs the metaphor of a forest to symbolize the agonizing realities of sexual assault. The poignant portrayal, enriched with seamlessly intertwined words, ignites a blend of outrage and optimism, highlighting the enduring journey toward reclaiming identity and healing post-trauma.

‘The Chronicles’ by Anna Halast

Anna Halast’s portrayal of a Ukrainian mother, divided into Body and Soul, mirrors the haunting echoes of war and distress. The innovative concept sketches a moving image of dissociation and endurance, laced with historical anguish and familial ties, leaving the audience contemplating the possibility of reconciling fragmented selves.

‘The Lock’ by Katherine Swan

Katherine Swan unravels a compelling story of sisters trapped in a maze of toxic relationships and prohibitive laws. It depicts the grim reality and conflicts encountered by women, especially within abusive environments, spotlighting the dark repercussions of oppressive laws on individual freedoms and choices.

‘Like Clockwork’ by Andrada Angileri

Angileri reveals a soul-stirring twist, balancing the dichotomy between progression and clinging to the past. The play navigates through the seas of remorse, grief, and acceptance, providing a thought-provoking exploration of love’s relentless grip and leaving the audience reflecting on the nature of time within the storyline and the potential liberation from enduring sorrow.

‘The Will of the People’ by Andrew Allen

Allen’s thought-provoking creation envisages a future where political choices are made with a simple swipe, prompting profound reflections on democracy and governance. While the play offers a meditative journey through the corridors of power and ethical dilemmas, the fragmented presentation leaves the audience craving a more comprehensive understanding of the nuanced details inherent in this speculative realm.

Our final thoughts? The Reboot Short Play Festival served as a melting pot of diverse narratives, each with its unique flavor, woven together by the common threads of human experiences, societal nuances, and a spectrum of emotions. Every piece, with varying degrees of refinement, served as a reflective prism, uncovering deeper strata and suggesting broader explorations, inviting the spectators to probe into both the revealed and the concealed dimensions of existence.

Reboot Festival 2023 is now at Barons Court Theatre, London, 5-23 September. Book tickets here